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From Wilson Okereke, Afikpo
The Director, Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (HRCRC), Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Mr. George Etamesor, has disclosed that the centre recently facilitated the release of about 34 people held for various offences from the Correctional Centres in the state.
He told newsmen that the feat recorded through various interventions in the past nine months was principally to decongest the Correctional Centres in the state.
He listed their other achievements to include intervention in over 200 retail cases, facilitation of Children Parliament in the state, as well as expansion and deepening of their presence at the grassroots through the branches, among others.
Etamesor stated that the group was established by an Irish Missionary, Rev. Fr. Kevin O’ Hara, in 1990, at Nkalagu and the Nigercem area, to stop rampant indiscriminate arrests and human rights abuses. He noted that access to justice was also initiated to ensure that everyone was provided with the rights to a fair trial and legal representation.
The director further disclosed that the centre had also established a legal aid programme, through which essential services were given to the underprivileged ones by ensuring that financial constraint did not hinder legal assistance.
He said that the international collaboration has enhanced the overall effectiveness of HRCRC, stating that the conflict resolution training and mediation programme were implemented to equip individuals on how to settle disputes amicably without litigations.
“Encouraging open dialogue in communities has helped in addressing grievances, bridge divides and built relationships among diverse groups and promoted a collective peace strategy,” he said.
Additionally, Etamesor said that his office has created departments for women and children, covering advocacy and awareness, support services, education programmes and equally provided access to mental health and holistic wellbeing initiatives.
He appealed for the partnership of corporate bodies, foreign support, local ownership, and personal contribution for the sustainability of the non-profit organisation.
